When I wrote a similar article to this one yesterday, I predicted that both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund would progress to the semi-finals. What I did not predict, however, was the way in which both teams would go about doing so.
The two games that were played last night- Borussia Dortmund v Malaga and Galatasaray v Real Madrid- finished 3 - 2 to the home side. But, ultimately, the feeling that the two victors on the night finished the game with would have been poles apart.
Galatasaray fought back from a goal behind to give themselves a chance of pulling off a miracle when Eboue, Sniejder and Drogba got the Turks back in front at 3 - 1 with 20 minutes to go. But Ronaldo had the last laugh when he slotted home for Madrid on the 90th minute, grabbing himself a brace.
For Dortmund there was elation. In a game reminscent of Manchester United's 1999 Champions League final win, the German side scored two dramatic goals in injury time to secure a semi-final place. It will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in European football.
So what do tonight's games hold in store for us tonight? Who will progress? And, most importantly, will I get it right again?
Barcelona v Paris Saint Germain
The game last week between these two domestic league leaders was the pick of the bunch from the first-leg ties. The game finished 2 - 2, three goals were scored in the final 15 minutes. But PSG must face reality, despite their heroics at home, they go into this fixture at Camp Nou as underdogs. It will be some feat if they can progress through to the semi-finals. Barcelona will wait on Lionel Messi's late fitness test before announcing their starting XI. There is other good news for the French club, as influential defender Thiago Silva will return from injury. David Beckham is also a probable starter for Ancelotti's team. We expect PSG to score atleast once, but Barca to progress with a victory tonight.
Juventus v Bayern Munich
When these two were drawn against eachother, I said that the victor of the tie will progress to the final and would be firm favourites to take the title. And with their 2 - 0 victory at home, Bayern are definitely in the driving seat. Are they a sure fire bet to progress then? No. Although they were outclassed by the German side at the Allianz Arena, Juve have the quality and experience to pull off a small miracle. All of the Italian's key player are available, whilst Munich's playmaker Toni Kroos is out through injury. Andrea Pirlo has urged his teammates to put in an inspired shift- that man will be key tonight. Who will progress? I am going to go on record and say Juventus- with a 4 - 1 win...
